ESPN 150 defensive end Tashawn Bower expected more college interest when Auburn fired Gene Chizik. That has definitely been the case.

College recruiters certainly sensed an opportunity when Bower, who committed to the Tigers in June, lost all connections with Chizik's former staff. The ESPN 150 defensive end from Somerville (N.J.) Immaculata said Florida State is one of the schools that has ramped up its recruitment in light of the changes at Auburn. He's clearly taken notice.

"In my opinion, great school," Bower said when asked what he liked about the Seminoles. "Opportunity to play early."

Bower, ranked No. 126 in the ESPN 150, is considering taking an official visit to Tallahassee. That's a very coveted visit, as Bower has only one official visit left to take.

Bower has taken one official visit to Auburn. He has an official visit planned to Florida on Jan. 18 and said he will take official visits to LSU and Rutgers but hasn't set those dates yet. Bower recently eliminated Notre Dame from his list of finalists.